The National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual national food drive will take place Saturday, May 8.

More than 49 million people – including 16.7 million children – live in households that are hungry or risk of hunger, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This represents more than one in seven households in the country (14.6 percent).

The “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive is seeking canned goods and dry food, such as tuna, canned meat, soups, pasta, rice and cereal.

People can leave their non-perishable donations in a bag or a box by their mailbox on May 8. Letter carriers will pick them up that day as they deliver the mail.

NALC members will deliver the goods to local food banks, pantries and shelters to help needy families. Last year, carriers collected a record 73.4 million pounds of non-perishable food.

Those who have questions about the drive at their location should ask their letter carrier or contact their local post office.